Paddington 3 ‘to begin filming in London and Peru next year’-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

The third Paddington Bear film is set to begin filming in London and Peru in 2023, according to reports (Picture: StudioCanal)

Paddington 3 is reportedly set to begin production next year, fans will be thrilled to learn.

The films, based on the series of children’s books by British writer Michael Bond, have proved incredibly popular, with Paddington 2 being released to roaring acclaim from both the public and critics.

Iconic character Paddington Bear, the bear famously found at one of London’s train stations, has in recent months become synonymous with the late Queen Elizabeth II after the pair appeared in a sweet sketch to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.

Following her death in September aged 96, thousands of mourners were seen leaving Paddington toys, art, messages and even marmalade sandwiches as a mark of respect.

This all means that the anticipation for Paddington 3 is higher than ever, and it seems the gears are finally beginning to move, with filming reportedly due to begin in 2023.

According to the Daily Mail, the next Paddington movie will begin filming in both London and Peru next year, and while details are being kept closely under wraps, it’s understood Paul King – who directed the first two films – is back on board to write the third.

The beloved children’s character appeared in a sketch with Queen Elizabeth II for her Plainum Jubilee this year (Picture: Buckingham Palace / BBC )

However, it’s reported that he will not direct the third in the series, with John Lewis advert director Dougal Wilson said to be taking on the role.

The film’s main cast, which includes Julie Walters, Ben Whishaw, Hgh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Jim Broadbent, are all set to return, though they reportedly have not yet been sent the scripts.

And while the plotline for Paddington 3 has not been revealed, the original book series sees the bear return to his homeland of Peru, where he meets his extended family after years of making London his home.

The third film is reportedly set to be directed by Dougal Wilson, who previously worked on John Lewis adverts (Picture: M&S)

The first film came out in 2014 and stars Ben as the voice actor behind the titular bear, with the sequel arriving three years later in 2017.

So closely was the late Queen Elizabeth associated with the bear that the BBC aired both films in the days before and after the monarch was laid to rest.

Among the many tributes that poured in for the Queen online, the official social media account for Paddington also paid homage to her.

More: Trending

Thank you Ma’am, for everything,’ the Paddington account tweeted, in a post that’s since garnered a million likes.

Metro.co.uk has reached out to StudioCanal and reps for Paul King for comment.

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